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Menopause is a normal and natural stage in the life of a woman. It is the period during which menstruation stops. At this stage, there is also a slow decline in the body’s reproductive hormone levels, leading to an imbalance between these hormones. As a result, women at this stage experience the various symptoms of menopause. Thankfully, this article contains 12 of the best menopause tea options to deal with these symptoms.

Perimenopause is the period before menopause. It is accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal bleeding and dryness, mood changes, loss of hair, anxiety, difficulty in sleeping, weight gain, and some others. Eventually, most of these symptoms tend to subside during actual menopause.

There are natural ways to ease some of the menopause symptoms. One of such ways is making and taking the right tea. This article provides you with 12 of the best teas to relieve those stressful menopause symptoms.

Do Teas Relieve Menopause Symptoms?

The efficacy of teas in helping to relieve menopause symptoms has not been extensively studied. From the few studies available, experts agree that certain teas can relieve menopause symptoms while others are unable to.

As a result, it is very important to consult with your doctor before selecting a tea brand to treat your menopause symptoms.

12 Best menopause Teas For You

As we mentioned earlier, tea can be an effective natural remedy for various menopausal symptoms. In fact, tea is a relatively healthy and less expensive option for relieving those symptoms.

Some of the best tea options to choose from include:

1. Red clover tea

Red clover treats hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. In addition, studies show that it contains ingredients that manage postpartum hypertension, improve bone strength, and boost immunity.

Furthermore, Red Clover Tea contains isoflavones (particularly phytoestrogens), a compound that is structurally similar to estrogen, hence, its effectiveness in helping to relieve menopause symptoms. Nonetheless, experts are still waiting on the result of more scientific studies to properly identify the side effects of this seemingly important tea option.

2. Valerian Root Tea

Some studies have suggested that valerian root tea can be useful in helping to relieve menopausal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, stress, headaches, and hot flashes.

However, pregnant women and breastfeeding moms should completely avoid the valerian root tea during this stage of their lives. It is also important to avoid combining this tea with alcohol or using it for a very long time.

3. Black Cohosh Root Tea

This is one of the most studied herbs. Research has found that black cohost root can help relieve hot flashes, insomnia, and vaginal dryness associated due to menopause. In addition, this article contains the best lubricants to use for menopause dryness.

However, there’s a need to conduct more research to ascertain the safety and efficacy of this tea option. Based on current studies, the side effects are mild and often related to the gastrointestinal system. As it is with the valerian root tea, pregnant women, hypertensive patients, and people with liver problems should completely avoid this tea option.

4. Ginseng tea

Ginseng also reduces various menopause symptoms. This tea can help reduce the occurrence and the severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Furthermore, it also increases sexual arousal and may improve the quality of sex in menopausal women.

Some of the side effects of ginseng tea include headaches, nervousness, and jitteriness.

5. Sage tea

Recent research shows that sage extract improves concentration, and reduces hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and panic in menopausal women, although the focus was on a really small population.

6. Dong Quai Tea

Dong Quai tea helps balance and regulate estrogen levels in the body of women starting menopause. Furthermore, this tea option reduces cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and also ease pelvic pain in menopausal women.

Furthermore, this tea is not suitable for women preparing for surgery.

7. Licorice Tea

Licorice tea also reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women because it contains many active ingredients like isoflavonoids, steroids, and terpenes.

It also has some estrogen-like effects and may be effective in improving respiratory health and reducing overall stress. However, studies also shows that licorice tea may have some adverse effects when combined with other drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor to get the right menopause tea option.

8. Ginkgo Biloba Tea

This tea contains phytoestrogens and increases estrogen levels and solves hormonal imbalances in menopausal women. It is also useful in cases of low libido in menopausal women. Furthermore, it can also improve PMS symptoms and ease mood swings.

On the other hand, Ginkgo biloba may interfere with blood clotting in certain people. Some other side effects include headaches, gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions.

9. Chasteberry Tree Tea

Drinking chasteberry tree tea can reduce breast pain during menopause and hot flashes in menopausal women. It contains progesterone which helps to maintain a healthy balance between fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone in this period.

Women who are using hormones for birth control or hormone replacement should not take chasteberry. Also, patients with hormone-sensitive diseases such as breast cancer should avoid it. In addition, women on antipsychotic medications or medications for Parkinson’s disease should also not drink chasteberry tea.

10. St. John’s Wort Tea

St. John’s wort tea may be useful to treat menopause symptoms, however, there’s still a need for further research on its effectiveness. In addition, this tea may be useful in treating inflammation and certain nervous disorders.

11. Red raspberry Leaf Tea

This tea lessens the heavy menstrual flow that accompanies the onset of perimenopause. It is considered safe to drink during the transition from perimenopause to menopause.

12. Fennel tea

Fennel is a member of the carrot family and also has some anti-inflammatory properties. This tea can help menopausal women in managing problems with sleep, sex, depression, and anxiety.

A Final Note From Edie & Amy

Menopause is a natural and normal stage in every woman’s life, although it may come with some symptoms that may negatively affect an individual’s health. Most of the scientific research done on menopausal teas is inconsistent and incomplete. Therefore, you’ve got to be really careful with every decision regarding menopause tea.

Also, due to the way these menopause tea options interact with the body and with other drugs, you should not use them unless you have discussed them with your doctors. This helps to reduce side effects and prevent damage to the health.

Menopause is one event that all women experience in their lifetime. It is that period in life when a woman’s menstrual cycle comes to a complete stop. Nevertheless, it helps to remember that menopause is not an abrupt event. This means that a woman doesn’t suddenly stop having her period. There are a series of symptoms and changes that lead up to the onset of menopause. Sometimes, these symptoms may even include perimenopausal acne.

As we mentioned earlier, these changes are usually accompanied by a plethora of symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, breast tenderness, and breakouts in form of acne. In addition, this article contains 10 menopause symptoms that are unknown.

The period leading to menopause (when your body starts transitioning into menopause) is referred to as perimenopause. Perimenopause is accompanied by a major change in hormone levels which may cause acne in adult women.

This post gives an insight into perimenopausal acne, what causes it and how to manage it when it occurs. Have a good read!

Causes of Perimenopausal Acne

Whether as an adolescent or as a woman transitioning into menopause, the predominant cause of acne breakouts is changing hormonal levels. During perimenopause, hormone levels are constantly changing and fluctuating. These changes may have their own effects on the skin.

Here’s how it works: Your skin’s tone and texture largely depend on the hormone levels in your body. As a result, the hormonal fluctuations that come with menopause and in the past, adolescence, may cause acne and skin breakouts. 

As hormone levels start to decrease during menopause, there is less collagen in the skin, so the skin becomes thinner and drier. Likewise, a reduction in estrogen level equals less oil production, which also leads to drier and thinner skin. Another effect of menopause is a rise in testosterone level which can trigger higher oil production and make the skin pores more clogged. Clogged skin pores result in acne breakouts.

All these hormonal changes result in compromised and hypersensitive skin that may be more prone to acne.

There are other factors that can trigger acne breakouts in perimenopausal women. Some of these include:

• Genetics
• Stress
• Dietary changes
• Lack of sleep and exercise

Treatment of Perimenopausal Acne

Acne breakouts in menopause don’t usually warrant any medical treatment. The acne usually disappears once your hormones balance out.

However, if you are concerned about your acne, there are tips, over-the-counter treatments, as well as prescription treatments that can help you clear it up.

You should be mindful of the kind of products you’ll put on your skin when treating your acne. Remember, your skin is in a more sensitive state than it has ever been. Watch out for products designed to treat adolescent acne and might be potentially harsh for your own skin.

There is no specific cure for acne, but there are proven treatment options which can help clear it up.

Some of These Acne Treatments Include:

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

This treatment approach focuses on correcting the hormonal imbalance that causes acne. It is the most effective method of treating acne during menopause.

HRT can relieve many discomforting symptoms of menopause but there are certain risks associated with using hormonal therapy. Hormonal replacement therapy can present a serious risk for women with a history of breast or endometrial cancer.

You should speak with your healthcare practitioner about the options available for your acne treatment and the risks associated with them.

2. Oral medications

To treat perimenopausal acne, your doctor may prescribe drugs which are known as androgen blockers. Androgen blockers are drugs which help to balance out excess androgen production. Spironolactone is a commonly prescribed androgen blocker in the control of hormonal acne.

Also, some antibiotics like Benzamycin can be used in the control of acne. However, doctors don’t usually encourage long term use of antibiotics in the treatment of acne because bacteria can develop resistance to the drug.

3. Topical medications

These are drugs that you apply on the skin to relieve the symptoms of acne.

Topical treatments that contain retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid and vitamin C are very effective when managing perimenopausal acne.

Home Treatments For Perimenopausal Acne

If you don’t want to see a doctor about your acne, there are ways to manage your breakouts at home. Maintaining a good skin care regime is key when trying to manage acne prone skin.

You will find the following tips helpful in keeping a good skin care routine:

1. Wash your face daily with a cleanser containing salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is great for unclogging pores.
2. Incorporate sunscreen into your skin care routine. Ingredients like salicylic acid and retinoids increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays from the sun. Sunscreen gives your skin the protection it needs.
3. As much as it is tempting to pop or pick at your pimples, don’t! picking at your pimples may cause scarring or even make the condition worse.
4. Replace oil-based cosmetic products with water or mineral-based products.
5. Always wash off makeup before going to bed

Most times, these tips work best if your acne is mild. On the other hand, if you have severe acne, it may be necessary to see a doctor and discuss stronger treatment options.

In addition, lifestyle and dietary changes may also help in your acne treatment. Here are some lifestyle tips that are effective in managing acne:

• Lower your stress levels
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid smoking
• Always wash your face with gentle soap
• Choose the right products to use on your face

Conclusion

Acne is a normal and common experience for women. If you’re experiencing acne, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Hormonal imbalance is the major culprit behind acne in most women. Eventually, when hormones balance out, the acne usually disappears.

If you’re concerned about your acne, there are many effective ways to manage the condition. Speak to your doctor about the treatment options that will be effective in managing your acne.

Most women feel quite uncomfortable when their periods come visiting each month. They wait patiently for the last drop of blood each month and eagerly anticipate returning to their “normal” life. The uncomfortable feeling most women have is not just the blood flowing out of them, but the symptoms that accompany their menstrual cycle. Rather than tow the usual path, this article contains 10 unknown menopause symptoms to note.

Good enough, the menstrual cycle will not last for the entirety of a woman’s life. It gets to a stage where the blood stops flowing, and this is for good! You won’t get to menstruate every month again as you used to when you attained puberty. That stage is called menopause!

What is menopause? What causes menopause? How can you identify the common symptoms associated with menopause? Are there symptoms that are unknown? You’ll find answers to these questions as you read through this article.

Don’t stop reading.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is that period of time when a woman comes to the end of her menstrual cycles. Medically, menopause is defined as when you go twelve months without seeing your period. It also refers to the series of changes a woman goes through just before or after she stops seeing her period. When a woman attains menopause, she has come to the end of her reproductive years.

What Causes Menopause?

When a woman is born, she is born with all of her eggs (ova) which are stored in her ovaries. The ovaries produce the hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. These hormones control the release of eggs, which results in ovulation and the period, known as menstruation. When a woman is no longer releasing eggs every month or has released all the eggs she has, she is said to have attained menopause.

Menopause happens as a normal aging process of a woman. Most women reach menopause after the age of 40, but some women reach menopause earlier than expected. This is called premature menopause and may be due to factors such as surgeries as in cases of hysterectomy or damage to the ovaries during other surgical procedures. The adverse effect of chemotherapy can also cause damage to the ovaries. Trauma to the ovaries is also a possible factor.

Furthermore, menopause can come with some really obvious signs like fibroids, breast pain, or even abdominal pain.

Common Menopause Symptoms

Some common symptoms of menopause include:

• Missed or uneven periods
• Hot flashes
• Sore breasts
• Dryness of the vagina
• Increased frequency of urination
• Emotional changes
• Depression
• Headaches
• Unending fatigue
• Change in libido
• Increase in body weight

10 Unknown Menopause Symptoms

Despite the common symptoms of menopause listed above, there are still some symptoms that are unknown – when you experienced them, you most likely didn’t know that it was menopause knocking.

Your body begins to undergo some changes in preparation for menopause years before you actually attain menopause. This period is known as perimenopause. At this time, periods become irregular and some other emotional and physical changes step in.

Some of the less-known symptoms of menopause include:

1. Vaginal pain

One of the common symptoms of menopause is vaginal dryness, but a less common or rather unknown one is vaginal pain. During menopause, the reduced level of estrogen can cause the vagina and tissue of the vulva to become thin and more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. This can lead to tearing and bleeding during sexual intercourse, causing pain and increasing the risk of infection.

2. Metallic taste in the mouth

This symptom is very rare, but some women still experience it. When this occurs, foods have different tastes in your mouth due to the varying level of estrogen in your body and this may leave a metallic taste in the mouth. Also, due to the hormone imbalance, your taste bud may become more sensitive to pain so a person may have burning or painful sensation in the tongue, lips, gums or other parts of the mouth.

3. Insomnia

This is one of the unknown symptoms of menopause. Many women who have reached menopause have trouble sleeping. It is caused as a result of low levels of estrogen, hence, the temperature control in the brain has problems functioning. This can lead to episodes of hot flashes and then being unable to go back to sleep again.

4. Memory and cognitive issues

Menopause has some effect on language skills and some other functions related to memory. As the level of estrogen in your body decreases due to menopause, you may have difficulty remembering new information or retrieving the old ones you already have.

This issue with memory may also be a result of insomnia that often accompanies menopause. It can be quite difficult to concentrate when you’re tired and stressed out. Some women may also find it difficult to perform some cognitive functions such as making decisions, paying attention, problem-solving and abstract thinking.

During pregnancy, this particular symptom is referred to as a pregnancy brain.

5. Body odor

When the level of estrogen in the body drops, the hypothalamus gets the information that you’re overheated and this causes you to sweat profusely. This can result in an unpleasant body odor. You can prevent this by following a healthy diet and using a stronger deodorant with an antiperspirant.

6. Loss of breast fullness

Due to the changing estrogen levels, you may notice that your breasts are no longer as full as they used to be or that your bras seem to be a bit looser.

Read this article to know all about breast tenderness during menopause

7. Dry and itchy skin

Estrogen is needed for skin elasticity. Now that your ovaries are not producing as much estrogen during menopause as before, what happens? Your skin begins to feel dry, tight, and itchy. This is more obvious at night when you’re sleeping. You can prevent this by using thicker and greasier moisturizer.

In addition, you can try out coconut oil and other great skin products.

8. Dry and brittle nails

Once you reach menopause, you may notice that your nails seem to be drier and more brittle than before. This is because the low level of estrogen in your body system makes it a little more difficult for your skin to retain moisture.

9. Feeling of light-headedness

This is not a popular symptom of menopause, however, it may occur when the hormone levels in the body drop. It can come and go at any time and may be associated with dizziness, nausea, spinning, or a woozy feeling.

10. Thin hair

As you go through menopause, it is possible that your hair gets thinner. This is also attributable to your estrogen level dropping. Also, since your skin becomes drier due to the same reason, your scalp may also be dry too.

Conclusion

Here’s the fact: It is not all bad news.

The truth is, many women around the world feel the same way you do right now. In fact, you won’t be wrong to blame most symptoms associated with menopause on the low level of estrogen in the body. These symptoms can be managed appropriately when you consult your health care provider.

Abdominal cramping is a thing that most women share a common disdain for. The pain and discomfort that follows abdominal pain is not pleasant for anybody to bear. Unfortunately for most women, abdominal cramping is something that is inevitable because it is normally associated with their periods. Sometimes, women may experience abdominal pain after menopause. In some cases, ovulation also comes with its own type of abdominal cramps.

Many women express relief when they approach menopause because they expect that the dreadful abdominal pain that accompanies periods will finally be gone. Imagine the disappointment when they discover that abdominal cramps may still occur even after they reach menopause.

Yes, abdominal pain may happen after menopause due to many reasons. Sometimes, it is a normal response of your body as it transitions into menopause. In some other cases, it might be due to something else entirely.

This post will let you know all you need to about post-menopausal abdominal cramping; when you should be concerned about it, and possible treatment options for it.

Before talking about abdominal pain after menopause, it is imperative that you understand what menopause is.

Let’s dive in!

What Exactly Is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural event that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. In short, it is the period when a woman stops having her periods. You should note that you can only be said to have reached menopause if you haven’t had your period in 12 consecutive months.

Menopause is not an event that happens abruptly. This means that you don’t just stop having your periods suddenly. There are progressive events that lead up to the onset of menopause. The period of time leading up to menopause is referred to as “perimenopause”.

Perimenopause is that period when your hormone levels start to fall with a significant decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone. It can also be characterized by fluctuating hormonal levels.

Abdominal and pelvic pain are some of the symptoms you experience due to falling and changing hormone levels. Normally, this type of abdominal pain resolves on its own over time, especially after menopause. However, if it does not, then you should consider other possibilities that might be responsible for your abdominal pain.

Possible Causes of Abdominal Pain After Menopause

If you are still experiencing abdominal cramping after menopause, then you should consider the following possibilities as the reason for abdominal pain. At this point, we really advise speaking with your doctor for proper guidance.

1. Gastro-intestinal diseases/infections

Problems with any part of your gastrointestinal tract can produce abdominal pain or cramping as symptoms. Usually, the pain comes in the lower abdomen. Examples of GI problems that may cause abdominal pain include: food poisoning, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and so on.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it.

The tissue still thickens and bleeds as it would inside the uterus even though it is found outside of it.

Previously, endometriosis was thought to affect only women of childbearing age. However recent research has shown that about 2-5% of post-menopausal women experience endometriosis.

Endometriosis after menopause usually presents with lower abdominal pain, intestinal distress, and ovarian cysts.

3. Fibroids

Fibroids are small, benign(non-cancerous) growths that develop in or around the uterus. In addition, fibroids can cause abdominal or pelvic pressure/pain. Fibroids are more common before menopause, and they usually shrink or go away by the time a woman reaches menopause. They however persist after menopause in some cases.

Read this post to learn more about fibroids after menopause.

4. Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are small fluid filled sacs that can develop on your ovaries.

In most cases, ovarian cysts don’t usually cause any symptoms and eventually go away on their own. However, they may sometimes bleed, twist or burst open. When this happens, it can cause serious abdominal pain. This may happen before, during, and after menopause.

5. Cancer

Cancer of the ovary and uterus, as well as bowel cancer can cause abdominal pain. If you have other symptoms, then you should see your doctor. If any of the following symptoms accompany abdominal pain, then it may be a sign of cancer.

1. Weight loss
2. Nausea or vomiting
3. Blood in faeces
4. Abdominal swelling or bloating
5. Vaginal bleeding
6. Fatigue
7. Painful sex

6. Pelvic floor prolapse

As you grow older, the muscles that make up your pelvic floor become weaker. Your pelvic floor is a collection of muscles that supports your pelvic organs and helps to control your bladder and bowels.

When the pelvic floor muscles become weak, it can cause one or more of your pelvic organs to drop down (prolapse). This will lead to pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvis.

7. Vaginal atrophy

Vaginal atrophy is a condition where the walls of the vagina become thinner, drier, itchy, and inflamed. This occurs due to the reduced estrogen levels during menopause. Estrogen is responsible for the maintenance of the vaginal walls.

Vaginal atrophy may cause the vaginal canal to become narrow and can cause sexual intercourse to be painful.

Also, lower estrogen levels may cause the lining of your bladder and urethra to become thinner. This increases your risk of having Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

All these may manifest as pelvic pain or discomfort.

Treatment of Abdominal Pain After Menopause

Your treatment options will be based on what is causing your abdominal pain. Talk to your doctor to ascertain the cause of your abdominal pain.

Abdominal pain diagnosis mostly involves a pelvic examination among other tests. Once your doctor has confirmed the cause of abdominal pain, you will be placed on a treatment plan suitable for you.

Conclusion

Abdominal cramps after menopause in some cases are nothing to worry about. You might still experience some menstrual symptoms after menopause. In some other cases, it could be an indication that something is wrong.

This is why you should contact your doctor if you have any concerns or if you develop other symptoms alongside abdominal pain.

For most women after menopause, the word “fibroid” comes with fear and a lot of questions. If you’re just as concerned, you’re at the right spot. Fibroids are small benign tumors that are commonly found in women of childbearing age. They develop in the wall of a woman’s uterus as small tumors or growth.

Most times, fibroids are also referred to as myomas or leiomyomas. While fibroids generally come with a level of discomfort and pain, they are usually non-cancerous or dangerous.
According to research, fibroids will affect up to 80% of women at some point in their lifetime, with black women being at higher risk.

This post will help you learn more about fibroids and their correlation to menopause.

Fibroids & Menopause

The development of fibroids is closely related to hormonal fluctuations in a woman of childbearing age. This explains why there is a significant decrease in the occurrence of fibroids after menopause. In fact, hormones like estrogen and progesterone contribute to the growth of fibroids.

During and after menopause (tender breasts or not), your body produces less estrogen and progesterone. As a result, the risk of developing new fibroids decreases. Also, preexisting fibroid tissues shrink and eventually die off due to a drop in hormone levels.

Typically, the risk for developing fibroids and the symptoms that accompany fibroids reduce after menopause. However, this is not always the case for all women. Some women have persisting fibroids that continue to grow even after menopause.

What Are The Risk Factors?

Certain factors increase a woman’s chances of developing fibroids. These include:

• High blood pressure
• Low vitamin levels
• Family history of fibroids
• No history of pregnancy
• High stress levels
• Obesity
• Age (30 years or older). Read our article on advanced maternal age.
• Race (black women are at higher risk of developing fibroids)
• There are also factors that may lower the risk of fibroids. They are:
• Pregnancy (the risk decreases as the number of pregnancies increases)
• Long term use of oral or injectable contraceptives

Symptoms of Fibroids

Fibroids can affect both premenopausal and postmenopausal women, although the symptoms are generally more severe in premenopausal women. Regardless of the age when they occur and the size of the fibroid, the symptoms of fibroids include:

• Enlarged abdomen
• Heavy bleeding between periods
• Increased menstrual cramping
• Pain during sex
• Increased urination
• Low back pain
• Feeling of pain in the pelvis
• Anemia from loss of blood
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headaches
• Urine leakage

Nevertheless, it is important to note that in about 50% of women that have fibroids, there are no symptoms. The condition is only diagnosed during a routine visit to the gynecologist and a pelvic examination is carried out.

Treatment of Postmenopausal Fibroids

Before menopause, fibroids are not usually a cause for alarm. Many women choose not to undergo any treatment for fibroids because of their tendency to shrink and naturally disappear after menopause.
However, in women with severe symptoms, a range of treatment options might be necessary. A doctor will consider a number of factors before deciding on a suitable treatment plan.

Some of these factors are:
Size of the fibroid
Age of the woman
Degree of symptoms
Overall health status

Depending on these factors, the following are treatment options available for taking care of fibroids:

1. MEDICATIONS

Hormonal therapies

One possible way to manage symptoms such as pain and excessive bleeding is by the use of birth control pills. This is simply hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Other hormonal treatments include progestin injections and intrauterine devices (IUDs) that contain progestins.

You should note that these won’t shrink the fibroids or cause them to go away. However, they will reduce the pain and bleeding caused by fibroids.

Pain drugs

NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help to relieve some of the pain associated with fibroids.

Iron supplements

The use of iron supplements or the consumption of food rich in iron can help prevent anemia due to excessive loss of blood in women with fibroids.

2. SURGERY

Sometimes, it’s best to surgically remove the fibroids. This may take different forms depending on how severe the case is. The following are the available surgery options available for the treatment of fibroids:

Myomectomy

This involves the surgical removal of fibroids without removing the uterus. It is usually considered before a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) is considered. A myectomy is the best option for women who plan to have children in the future.

However, if fibroids come back after a myomectomy, your doctor will recommend a hysterectomy given that you don’t plan on having children in the future.

Hysterectomy

If fibroids are recurring and present with severe symptoms, a hysterectomy may be considered the best option. It involves the surgical removal of parts or all of the uterus.
Hysterectomies may be recommended for women who:

• are close to menopause
• have very large fibroids
• have multiple fibroids
• are already past menopause
• want the most definitive treatments
• have no plans for childbearing in the future

3. Non/Minimally Invasive Procedures

Myolysis

This procedure involves the destruction of fibroids and their blood vessels with heat or an electric current. A doctor inserts a needle into the fibroid and destroys the fibroid tissue with an electric current or heat/freezing mechanism.

Endometrial ablation

This involves the removal or destruction of a woman’s endometrial lining in order to control the symptoms of fibroid. Methods like heat, hot water, electric current, or extreme cold can be used to destroy the lining of the uterus.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE)

This involves blockage of the blood vessels that supply the fibroids. A surgeon inserts sand-like particles into the artery that supplies the fibroid and this blocks blood supply to the artery. This will prevent nutrients from reaching the fibroid and eventually, the fibroid will shrink.

In Conclusion,

Fibroids are very common in premenopausal women, but can also be developed during or after menopause. Most times, fibroids will shrink and not cause symptoms after menopause. However, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider if you are worried about the possibility of developing fibroids or if your symptoms are severe. Furthermore, a doctor can officially diagnose a fibroid and offer treatment advice or options that are specific to your situation.

Parenthood often comes with a lot of uncertainty and questions. For most parents, the ultimate goal is to protect their little ones as much as possible. Most times, a core area of concern lies with babies sleeping patterns and positions. Especially as it relates to what is safe and when a baby can start sleeping on his/her stomach.

If you’re in these shoes, this is the article for you!

First Things First

The first 12 months of your baby’s life is the most fragile period of his/her life. In addition to the numerous diseases and infections a baby may develop at this stage, there’s also the possibility of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS usually occurs when a baby is asleep, hence, the need to pay proper attention to your baby’s sleep position.

Thankfully, there is always a way to prevent these issues and protect your little one.

Although you may have gotten loads of advice from friends, family, and colleagues, it helps to remember that nothing beats accurate and reliable information from trained medical professionals.

That’s why you’ve got us.

In this article, you’d find out all you need to know about your baby’s sleeping positions; what is safe, when to place him/her on the stomach, and what to do when your little one rolls over. In addition, there’s a section on how to protect your baby from SIDS.

Don’t Stop Reading.

What’s The Safest Way To Put My Baby To Sleep?

In the first year of life, multiple sleeping positions are safe for your baby. To lighten the burden, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a clear policy on safe sleep for babies. The recommendations provided in this policy help to reduce the risk of SIDS in infants.

These recommendations include:

1. Use a flat and firm sleep surface
2. Put your baby to sleep on the back at all times until after 12 months of age.
3. Do not let your baby sleep in a shared bed. Although babies should sleep in their parent’s rooms, it should be on a separate surface designed for the little one.
4. Keep soft objects and loose bedding away from the baby’s sleep area to reduce the risk of suffocation or SIDS.
5. Consider offering your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.

These recommendations are applicable to all sleep times including nap time and overnight sleep.

When Can My Baby Sleep on His/Her Stomach?

As we mentioned earlier, you should place your baby to sleep on his or her back in the first year of life. This way, you’re certain that your little one would get enough air to breathe properly while sleeping. Once your baby crosses the one-year line, you may allow them to sleep in any preferred position.

Here’s the fact: sleeping face down before the age of one increases a child’s chances of rebreathing already expelled air. Therefore, the simple answer to when your baby can sleep on his/her stomach is only when he/she is above one year old.

Furthermore, you may also have questions about what to do if your baby rolls over to his or her stomach while sleeping. Don’t worry, the next section answers this question in the best way possible.

What To Do When Your Child Rolls Over When Sleeping

Thankfully, it is really easy to control a baby’s sleeping position in the first 4 months after birth. This is because a newborn baby doesn’t have the motor skill to turn on his stomach at this point.

However, if your child turns to lie on his/her stomach while sleeping, by all means, let your baby keep sleeping. The fact is that babies who can change body positions during sleep are able to protect themselves from any dangers of sleeping in this position.

Therefore, your baby turning on the stomach during sleep is not a cause for alarm. In fact, this is quite common in babies older than 4 months who have developed sufficient motor skills. As a result, the risk of SIDS in these babies is quite small.

Nevertheless, you should always follow the recommendations highlighted above and aim to place your baby to sleep on his/her back throughout the first year.

When Is SIDS No Longer a Problem?

As we mentioned earlier, the possibility of SIDS is a major concern when a baby sleeps with his/her face down. Studies have shown that the high-risk period for SIDS is between the 1^st-4^th months after birth.

After the 4th month, your baby would have crossed the various stages of development which ensure that rolling over to the stomach is no longer risky.

Nonetheless, the safest option for every parent is to stick with placing the baby to sleep on his/her back for the first 12 months.

What Are The Benefits of Babies Sleeping on Their Stomach?

Many babies seem to prefer sleeping on their stomachs. The best explanation for this is that babies find this position more comfortable. As long as the high-risk period has passed, you may allow your baby to sleep on their stomach if they want. This can guarantee longer sleeping hours for your baby, and by extension, you.

The unanimous agreement between experts is that the safest way to put a baby under 12 months to sleep is face-up. Stomach sleeping is also safe as long as your baby gets themselves in the position after putting them to sleep face-up. Remember, a baby who is able to turn on the belly during sleep can remain in that position without the threat of harm.

In Conclusion

It really helps to remember that the face-up position is the safest for newborns and young adults. As long as you can control it, please make sure that your baby sleeps on his/her back at all times. Also, ensure that you follow other recommendations that will help your baby sleep safely.

With the information provided in this post, you are one step ahead in creating a safe sleep routine for your baby.

The season of waiting for a child usually seems like it would go on forever. Most times, this period is characterized by anxiety and stress. In fact, this is heightened when you have done an embryo transfer and are waiting for a positive pregnancy result.

An embryo transfer is the last, most important, and most delicate step in the IVF (in-vitro fertilization) process. In this process, the embryo (or embryos) are carefully placed into the uterus of the mother. This is done using a transfer cannula and an ultrasound machine.

Are you trying to conceive? Are you considering IVF as an option for conception? Did you just complete an embryo transfer and you simply can’t wait to know how it turned out?

This article is for you.

In this post, we’ve outlined 10 signs of a successful embryo transfer.

10 signs that your embryo transfer was successful

Here’s the fact: A positive pregnancy test result is the only accurate sign of a successful embryo transfer.

This pregnancy test is often conducted 14 days after the embryo transfer, but if you are in a hurry, you can go for the test at about 9 – 10 days. This is so because the estrogen and progesterone (hormonal treatment) taken before the embryo transfer, and the progesterone taken after the transfer can produce symptoms that mimic pregnancy.

Nevertheless, there are a number of signs that may suggest a successful transfer. These include:

1. Nausea

Nausea in pregnancy can be a result of increased levels of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. This hormone is also present after a successful embryo transfer and therefore may be the reason behind your nausea.

2. Cramping

Yes, cramping is a sign that your period is almost here but it can also be a sign that the “embryo is staying” following an embryo transfer.

You need to remember that these cramps may be a result of the progesterone you took during the course of the procedure. In addition, the cramps may be the direct result of the entire IVF procedure.

3. Fatigue

Do you know that feeling that makes you just want to lie down and chill all day?

Yes, it may also be a sign of a successful embryo transfer.

In fact, this fatigue may begin after a successful transfer and last throughout pregnancy. Sometimes, it may even extend beyond!

On another note, fatigue may just be one of the many side effects of the hormonal therapy you were placed on during the transfer process.

4. Sore Breasts

For some women, sore and tender breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, even before a missed period.

It may also be the same with you.

If you notice that your breasts are sore or swollen or if they are tender when you touch them, then it is very possible that embryo transfer was successful.

Asides from the soreness of the breasts, you may also notice harder than normal breasts, a tingling sensation in the nipples, or dark areolas.

5. Elevated Basal Body Temperature

A woman’s basal body temperature increases by about 1℃ at the time of conception and remains this way throughout pregnancy. If you notice a mild rise in your temperature, then you can rest assured in the fact that there’s a chance you’re pregnant.

6. Dizziness, Pins and Needles

These may be as a result of the hormones used to stimulate the ovaries or used to prepare the endometrial wall for implantation of the uterus. Furthermore, it can also indicate that the embryo transfer was successful.

7. Changes in Vaginal Discharge

If the changes and apparent increase in vaginal discharge are a result of a successful embryo transfer, you may notice a thin, white, mild-smelling discharge.

In fact, the vaginal discharge may be voluminous in the early days following the transfer. This is a result of the progesterone that was used to prepare you for the transfer.

8. Spotting

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy in a woman, which is often missed or misinterpreted, is bleeding or spotting. When you notice a little amount of blood in your underwear after an embryo transfer, it may be a sign that the transfer was successful.

This can mean that the embryo has successfully implanted into the wall of your uterus.

There can also be an associated spotting that is seen 2 to 3 days after the embryo transfer. This may be due to the vaginal progesterone applicators that touched the overly sensitive outer part of the cervix.

9. Increase In Urinary Frequency

Following a successful embryo transfer, there’d be a noticeable increase in bathroom breaks.

This is often a result of the increase in the hCG and progesterone hormones. The increased need to pee can also be a result of the extra blood in your body after the successful embryo transfer.

10. No Symptoms

Yeah, you read that right!

That you have no symptoms can actually mean that you are pregnant too. If you aren’t experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then you should not worry or get agitated.

Remember, a positive pregnancy test is the only accurate way to confirm that you are pregnant. When you’ve got that, you can be absolutely sure.

Conclusion

The two-week period of waiting following an embryo transfer can be very emotional. For most people, it is a period of time where all you do is just to hope for the best, and that all works out well.

As you wait, you need to remain calm and stay positive in your words and thoughts. You should also bear in mind that whether you have the symptoms listed above or not, the only specific test to be sure that the transfer was successful is a positive pregnancy test.